Congratulations to the Winner of Sister Schubert’s Mother’s Day Story Contest

In April, we kicked off a Mother’s Day story contest in honor of my own mother, Charlotte Henderson Wood, who has been an inspiration to me all my life. We asked people to send us stories about how their moms create quality time for their families.

We received dozens of truly wonderful and heartwarming entries! However, one story stood out as testament to the enduring role of mothers and families, showing the importance of family ties even after the children have grown up and started families of their own.

This morning, I appeared live on CBS Channel 8 in Montgomery, Alabama, to announce that Mary Hofmann of Saginaw, Michigan is the winner of our Sister Schubert’s Mother’s Day Story Contest.

Mary will receive a $500 gift card as well as a hand-painted gift basket complete with two pans of Sister Schubert’s rolls, a choice of Sister Schubert’s specialty gift products, a package of Mook’s Cheese Straws, two packs of Red Diamond Estate coffee and a hand-decorated, seasonal cookie.

I hope you enjoy her story as much as I did!

“A Night to Remember” by Mary Hofmann

Giant Mother's Day card.

“Imagine a homemade Mother’s Day card in the form of a 3,000-square-foot blacktop and colorful chalk.

Wanting to do something very special for our Mom/Grandma who was dealing with Breast Cancer, thirteen of us secretly sneaked over to my parent’s house with a mission of love. No matter that it was a cold Michigan night; all thirteen were on hands and knees drawing away.

Previously that week, I had secretly sent out an e-mail to family and friends who couldn’t be there to request that they send me notes and ideas of pictures to draw. It was a magical night and our hearts were all joyful. I still will never forget seeing my three, six-foot-plus brothers, who are the epitome of masculinity, on the ground carefully and methodically drawing a delicate picture for their mother.

Hours later, the driveway was plastered with words of encouragement and humor and large drawings including hilarious portraits of her ten children…yes, ten children, six boys and four daughters. Imagine your Mom waking to such a card. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Taking up her coffee in one hand and a wad of tissues, she spent the next few hours tearfully and happily reading her huge homemade card.

To this day she tells us over and over again that it was the best Mother’s Day gift she ever received. The next day, a big rain storm washed away this very special card and symbolically, my Mom’s cancer also. That night was very special to me also. I got to spend quality time with my siblings and see a side of them that made me feel so grateful for my large family.”

As a mother of five and grandmother of six, I believe that Mother’s Day is one of the most important celebrations of the year. I hope everyone who reads this enjoys quality time with their families this Sunday.

Until next time,